Mladen Bartulovich: "It is very important to play matches against such opponents"

Kharkiv head coach Mladen Bartulovich summed up the sparring against Swiss "Young Boys", talked about the importance of such matches, and shared information about the return of Yevhen Pavlyuk to the general group:

— Mladen, was it a good test of strength against a strong opponent?

— Yes, of course, we had a very high-quality opponent today, who punishes for any mistake. And that's what happened in the first half, as they scored two goals. I want the guys to play more boldly in such matches and grow against such opponents. There is a slightly different level of preparation because "Young Boys" has been working for three weeks already, and we have a little less. But it is very important for us to play matches against such opponents so that the guys feel the intensity that exists in Europe and in teams that play in Europe.

— And the second half, by the way, started more lively and created more chances?

— Yes, we started playing more boldly and equalizing the game, so to speak. There were periods in the match where we controlled the ball a little more, and there were times when they pressed us. The opponent has very quality players, and they show it. We also want to grow to their level.

— I think this match provided you with a lot of information. Did you identify any key points for yourself?

— Every match gives us a lot of information. We also try to play in different formations, use different combinations of players in the center of the field, on the flanks, and look for the optimal lineup. We still have time before the first match with "Veres". We are preparing, everything is going according to plan. We also have very interesting opponents in the next matches, so we will continue to prepare.

— Fans are asking about Yevhen Pavlyuk. We were told he was injured. Do you know when we can expect the player?

— Yevhen will start training with the general group tomorrow. We hope that he will be able to play at least 30 minutes in the next matches and start preparing with the team.